Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Pacific Ocean. They rotate counter-clockwise around an eye with winds of at least 74 miles per hour. The eye is generally 20-30 miles wide and the storm may spread outward 400 miles. The hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30 and peaks in August and September. Hurricanes can produce incredible waves, violent winds, torrential rains and floods.
To prepare for a hurricane, stock up on emergency supplies. Learn about your local emergency plans, warning signals, and evacuation routes. Be prepared to drive 20-50 miles inland to reach safety. If there is standing water downed power lines, turn off the electricity. If you evacuate, turn off the electricity, gas and water, and take important papers and prescription drugs with you. Continue to monitor storm advisories and tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.